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- 1 cup crushed pretzels - 2 tablespoons sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip) - 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced - 1 cup strawberry gelatin mix - 2 cups boiling water - 2 cups cold water Gather these ingredients before you start. First, you need pretzels for the base. The sweet-salty mix is key. You will also need sugar and butter for binding the crust. Cream cheese gives the creamy layer its rich taste. Powdered sugar adds sweetness. Whipped topping lightens the texture. Fresh strawberries make your dessert shine. They add bright flavor and color. The strawberry gelatin mix brings it all together. Boiling water helps dissolve the gelatin. Cold water cools the mix before you add the strawberries. This list keeps things simple. Each ingredient plays its part. You can find everything at your local store. Get ready to create a delightful treat! - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a bowl, mix 1 cup crushed pretzels, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter until well combined. - Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of your serving dish. - Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool completely. - In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth. - Gently fold in 1 cup whipped topping until fully mixed. - Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. - In another bowl, dissolve 1 cup strawberry gelatin mix in 2 cups boiling water. - Add 2 cups cold water and mix well. - Stir in 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries. - Pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, covering it completely. - Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours until the gelatin sets. - Once chilled and set, scoop the salad into individual cups for serving. Garnish with crushed pretzels on top for a nice crunch. To get the best texture for your pretzel crust, crush the pretzels finely. Larger pieces can make the crust crumbly. Mix the crushed pretzels with sugar and melted butter. This combination helps bind the crust. Press the mixture firmly into your cup or dish to avoid a loose crust. To avoid sogginess, let the crust cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer. If you add the cream cheese layer too soon, it can make the crust wet. Also, make sure your cream cheese mixture is thick enough. This will help keep moisture from seeping into the crust. Refrigerate your assembled cups for at least 3-4 hours. This time allows the gelatin to set properly. If it doesn’t set, the cups will be too runny. Check the gelatin after the minimum time. If it seems soft, chill it longer. Factors that affect gelatin set include temperature and humidity. Warmer kitchens can slow down the setting process. If your kitchen is hot, consider chilling your cups in a cooler area. For garnishing, sprinkle crushed pretzels on top just before serving. This adds a nice crunch. You can also place a fresh strawberry on each cup for a colorful touch. When choosing serving cups, opt for clear ones to show off the pretty layers. Small glass jars or clear plastic cups work great. This will make your Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups look even more inviting. {{image_2}} You can change the fruit in Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups. Try using raspberries or blueberries. These berries add their own sweet taste. You can also mix fruits like peaches or blackberries. Seasonal fruits work great too. In summer, use fresh peaches for a juicy twist. In fall, consider adding apples for a crunchy bite. Each fruit choice makes this dessert unique and fun. If you want to cut back on sugar, try natural sweeteners. Options like honey or maple syrup are tasty. You can also use stevia or monk fruit for lower calories. Just remember, some sweeteners are stronger, so adjust the amount. This way, everyone can enjoy the cups, no matter their diet. You can get creative with flavors in your Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups. Try adding crushed pineapple for a tropical twist. Peaches can also bring a sweet flavor. Mix some lemon juice for a zesty kick. Experimenting with different flavors keeps things exciting. You’ll find new favorites every time you make them! Store your Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. These cups last about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. If you notice any change in texture or smell, it’s best to toss them. Can you freeze Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups? Yes, but with some care. The cream cheese layer may change texture when frozen. To freeze them, place the cups in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, move the cups to the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can cause sogginess. Enjoy your delightfully sweet treat even after freezing! Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups are a fun dessert. They mix sweet and salty flavors. You have a crunchy pretzel base, creamy cheese layer, and fruity strawberry topping. The pretzels give a nice crunch. The cream cheese layer is light and creamy. The strawberries add freshness and brightness. Together, these flavors create a delightful treat. Yes, you can make these cups ahead. Prepare the crust and cream cheese layer the day before. Just make sure to chill them well. You can add the strawberry layer later. This keeps the crust from getting soggy. It’s a great time-saver for parties and gatherings. You can buy ingredients at any grocery store. Look for fresh strawberries in the produce section. Check the baking aisle for pretzels and gelatin. You can also find cream cheese and whipped topping there. For convenience, some stores offer pre-made options if you are short on time. To make these cups without gelatin, you can use whipped cream instead. Mix whipped cream with the strawberries for a lighter topping. You can also use agar-agar, a plant-based thickener. Follow the instructions on the package for the best results. This way, you still get a delicious dessert without gelatin. In this blog post, we explored the delicious recipe for Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups. We examined each ingredient and shared step-by-step instructions to create the perfect dessert. I also highlighted tips for a crunchy pretzel crust and ways to make this treat your own with various flavor options. Remember, the key to a great Strawberry Pretzel Salad is in the details. Enjoy your creation and impress your friends with this tasty treat!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups

Discover the delightful taste of Strawberry Pretzel Salad Cups! These individual servings combine a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cheese layer, and a refreshing strawberry gelatin topping that will impress any crowd. Perfect for parties or summer gatherings, this easy-to-follow recipe will satisfy your sweet cravings. Click through to explore the full recipe and learn how to create this delicious dessert that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup crushed pretzels

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

1 cup strawberry gelatin mix

2 cups boiling water

2 cups cold water

Instructions
 

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter until well mixed.

    Bake the Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish (or equivalent individual serving cups). Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove and let cool completely.

      Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.

        Spread Cream Cheese Mixture: Once the pretzel crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel layer.

          Prepare Strawberry Gelatin: In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in the boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved. Add the cold water and mix well.

            Add Strawberries: Stir in the sliced strawberries into the gelatin mixture.

              Assemble: Pour the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

                Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dish for at least 3-4 hours until the gelatin is set.

                  Serve in Cups: Once chilled and set, scoop the salad into individual serving cups for presentation, and garnish with a sprinkle of crushed pretzels on top for added crunch.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours | Servings: 8